KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's volleyball team (1-2) was defeated by the U SPORTS No. 1-ranked Alberta Pands (3-0) on Friday night at UBCO Gymnasium, with set scores of 23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-19.

Kirsten Hill led the offensive charge for UBCO with 12 kills on 24 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .458. Natalie Funk contributed significantly with 14 kills and added nine digs, accumulating a total of 17 points. Kylan Finseth facilitated the team's attack by recording 35 assists over four sets. 

Abby Guezen led the Pandas recording 22 kills on 40 attempts for a .500 hitting percentage and accumulating a team-high 26 points. 

UBCO was impressive in the opening set against the top-ranked team in Canada, narrowly edging out a 25-23 win in the first set, capitalizing on a strong offensive performance led by Funk who contributed multiple key kills. UBCO's defence played a pivotal role, with blocks by Faith Solecki and Funk sealing the set. Despite Alberta's attempts to rally, highlighted by Guezen's efforts at the net, service errors proved costly for the visitors. The set concluded with UBCO leveraging Alberta's attack errors to secure the lead.

Alberta rebounded in the second set, securing a 25-17 victory against the Heat. Guezen led the charge with four kills, contributing to the visitors' advantage, while Sophia Magus facilitated the attack with multiple assists. The Heat hung with the Pandas through the opening portion of the set before the visitors pulled away to even the match.

The Pandas carried the momentum into the the third set, winning 25-19 on the strength of their effective blocking. Guezen recorded multiple key kills for Alberta, including two during a four-point run to close the set. UBCO got strong offensive efforts from Hill and Funk as they kept the score close for much of the match.

The fourth set saw both teams put up multiple runs as the teams went back and forth. Josipovic delivered three aces for the Heat to help them keep the score close while Alberta countered with strong serving from Allie Moore and Sara Grey. The Pandas used some strong blocking down the stretch, including a decisive block on the winning point from Allie Moore, to close out the set and the match. 

UBCO will return to action on Saturday, November 1 as they look to earn a split with the Pandas. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. at UBCO Gymnasium.